This was huge because it did not require external trailer hookups.

The Airstream International in 1958 marked the first self-contained travel trailer. Mark Bowen from Bowen Water Heater Co helped them to create the first hot water system for a trailer. This location has continued to be their home for more than 65 years.Īirstream RVs like to challenge themselves to introduce new things to their trailers. Airstream moved and expanded their facilities to Jackson Center, Ohio in 1952. The Airstream Liner began production in 1947. Today, only Airstream remains from those that were around during the Great Depression and World War II. Soon after, over 400 were scattered throughout the country by 1937. Airstream RV opened their first small factory in Culver City, California in 1931.Īirstream was one of the original 50 manufacturers to begin.

He published a DIY guide in Popular Mechanics, but people wanted him to build them trailers. Since the first prototype didn’t work well in the rain, Byam replaced it with a teardrop shaped shelter on top and added a stove and ice chest. The inspiration was due to the love of camping, but not sleeping on the ground. Thor has also introduced an electric RV concept with a 300-mile range called the Thor Vision.Airstream RV started in 1929 when Wally Byam put a tent on the top of a Model T chassis. The coach, based on the Ford Transit, has a range of about 125 miles. The RV industry overall has traveled behind the automotive industry in adopting electric power, in part because of the extremely limited range electric power can offer heavy RVs.Īt about the same time Airstream introduced the eStream, Winnebago introduced an electric motor coach called the e-RV. “The greatest real-world advantage electric RVs have is their reported capability to take RV travelers off grid for up to seven days with the ability to still use all of their appliances,' she said. Young said the ability to go disconnect from electrical sources could be a huge attraction for the eStream and other electric campers. Having more eco-friendly options will open RV travel to a wider audience.' 'While there are electric campers/RVs out there that have already made strides, these vehicles are not readily available throughout the U.S. “This is a momentous development for the industry,' said Jen Young, chief marketing officer for Outdoorsy, which connects RV owners with travelers who want to rent RVs. Industry experts said the eStream or similar products could be game-changers. The eStream is based on a model developed a few years ago by a sister company in Germany, Dethleffs, and Airstream's parent company, Thor Industries.

In addition, the company will solicit feedback from 800 potential customers who have requested information on the trailers, along with the company's dealers. Wheeler said Airstream hopes to test one or two of the campers in real-world conditions.

It's an amazing thing, but not at any price. 'It may not make sense for all of these features in the market product. 'We really swung for the fences with this with the 80-kilowatt battery, dual drive trains, electric air conditioning, heat, hot water, cooking, and 900 watts of solar on the roof,' he said. The concept eStream is fully loaded, he noted, and may not be efficient or affordable for the real world.

Camoer airstreamer